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New Victorian coroner a Monash graduate

12 December 2007

Judge Jennifer Coate, an Arts/Law alumna, is taking on the role of Victorian Coroner.

Monash graduate Jennifer Coate (BA 1979, LLB 1984) has taken up her position as the new Victorian Coroner.

Judge Coate is the first woman and first judge appointed to the position, replacing Graeme Johnstone, also a Monash graduate (BJuris 1969, LLB 1970), who served as Coroner for 13 years.

Attorney-General Rob Mr Hulls said Judge Coate was eminently qualified and he anticipated her taking on the responsibility of the position with the dedication and integrity shown in her previous judicial roles.

"Judge Coate has shown an enormous commitment to the justice system and has contributed significantly to each jurisdiction she has worked in," Mr Hulls said.

"I am confident she will take on the demanding role of State Coroner with the compassion and dedication required of this important role."

Judge Coate was appointed as a Magistrate in 1992 and became Deputy Chief Magistrate in 1996. In June 2000 she was appointed to the County Court and appointed as the first President of the Children's Court.

Another significant step in state justice occurred in September 2005 when she presided over the establishment of the Children's Koori Court.

Prior to appointment as a magistrate, Judge Coate was involved in a work as a barrister, solicitor and academic, and in a range of social policy groups and committees. She was also a teacher for five years.

As well as this, Judge Coate has also been a part-time Victorian Law Reform Commissioner since 2001. She took up the role of State Coroner on 29 November.